Obituary: Gerrie van der Merwe - Ilan Lax

He matriculated in 1963 at Grey College in Bloemfontein and thereafter joined the South African Air Force in 1964 and completed his pilot’s training at Dunnottar. He flew Harvards as a member of 4 Squadron.

As the son of an ophthalmologist, he initially wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps and study medicine. After his first year and some observation time in surgery, he realised that this was not to be his path. Gerrie studied BSc Agriculture at the University of Pretoria. There he met the love of his life Hannetjie (neé Bothma) in 1967. Gerrie graduated and they were married in 1970.

In 1972, they moved to the Dullstroom area, where Gerrie managed a plantation for his uncle, Dr Jan Lion-Cachet on the top of the mountain on the Lunsklip river. They later acquired the property at the foot of the iconic waterfall. In 1978 he and Hannetjie moved down the mountain with their young children, Hannerie, Stephan and Reinier, to start the Lunsklip trout hatchery. The Land Bank would not grant a loan for a trout farm as this was not regarded as a proper “industry” at that time. He was thus forced to farm cattle, which he subsequently sold to fund the building of the the initial infrastructure and importation of trout ova.

Gerrie was a pioneer who designed and built the farm from scratch. There was very little frame of reference or support at that time and he worked closely with the Department of Agriculture and Nature Conservation, which included the state trout hatchery in Lydenburg. They slowly grew and develped the farm, doing most things themselves, assisted by a loyal and committed staff team.

They started by selling live trout for stocking the many flyfishing destinations that had become popular in Dullstroom and other surrounding areas by the 1980’s. Gerrie and Hannetjie attended many food shows and exhibitions to promote trout and build a market after which they started to process table fish and other products. In recent times, Stephan and Reinier were encouraged to take up the reins of the various aspects of the business that has become a leading trout producer in South Africa.

Gerrie van der Merwe was a real mensch – a Yiddish word that according to the Meriam Webster dictionary means "a person of integrity and honor". Another source “the Joys of Yiddish” explains it as "someone to admire and emulate, someone of noble character. The key to being 'a real mensch' is nothing less than character, rectitude, dignity, a sense of what is right, responsible, decorous." and implies the rarity and value of that person's qualities - what the Romans called a vir bonus – “a good man” or in the more contemporary and less sexist context “a good person”.

In 1987, Gerrie was awarded the “Farmer of the Year Award” by the Agricultural Writer’s Organisation of then Transvaal. He always emphasised that he practised mixed farming (aquaculture and other farming) in order for the farm to be sustainable. FOSAF awarded him its Exemplary Service Award.

Gerrie was a “big picture” person. He understood the need to organise and motivate people. He loved South Africa and firmly believed that her citizens could make things work together. With this in mind he drew people together, building alliances and friendships across the length and breadth of our fair land.

Many people throughout the trout value chain consulted him for help and advice, which he always offered freely. He had a passion for aquaculture, but also for helping people succeed in various areas of their lives, on both professional and personal levels.

Gerrie was a natural leader who led by example. He served as chairman of various organisations throughout his life, including Mpumalanga Land Reform committee, the Badfontein Land Owner’s Association and Trout SA – to name but a few. He was instrumental in establishing the Mpumalanga Trout Association and Trout SA and served as commodity group’s representative on Aquaculture SA.

Gerrie was guided throughout his life by his Christian faith which defined him. In so doing he was someone who “walked the walk” and set a genuine example in a quiet but determined way that let all who interacted with him understand clearly and unequivocally what values he stood for. In the words of Ian Cox: “His great ability was not only his innate decency, high intelligence, absolute integrity and shining love of for his wife and family, it was also that he was able somehow to hold the mirror of his qualities to those who prefer to do harm rather than good, without making enemies or becoming arrogant. Gerrie made good people better and bad people less so.”

Gerrie was a family man who was very proud of his children, their spouses and his eight grandchildren. He’d often share their achievements with pride and warmth. He lived a life of love, with a mission to serve others. He was respected by everyone he came into contact with.

Gerrie lived his values and shared his passion for aquaculture and many other aspects of life in a way that enriched everyone who entered his orbit. His passing leaves a vacuum and all of us poorer. The best we can do, is try to follow the wise, committed and caring example he set.

Go well good friend, rest in peace.